The Northern Shoveler is a medium-sized
(43-56 cm) duck with a distinctive, large spatulate bill. The male has a
glossy green head, rufous flanks and a white breast. In flight, it shows
light blue upper wing coverts which form a large patch on the forewing, and
a green speculum. The bill is blackish, the eye is yellow and the legs are
bright orange. The female is mottled buffy brown overall, darker brown on
the back. Its bill is mainly orange, the eye is black and the legs are
orange.

The Northern Shoveler frequents a variety of
shallow freshwater wetlands such as lakes, ponds and marshes, as well as
tidal mudflats and brackish lagoons in winter. It feeds mainly on small
aquatic invertebrates such as insects, molluscs and crustaceans, as well as
seeds and plant remains. It obtains food by filtering water from the
surface, by head-dipping and by up-ending.

In Taiwan the Northern Shoveler is a common
winter visitor.

References: Handbook of
Birds of the World Vol. 1; A Field Guide to the Birds of China (Mackinnon
and Phillipps); 100 Common Birds of Taiwan
(Wild Bird Society of Taipei)